Nearly four months after a catastrophic storm ravaged Tasmania’s capital, dumping a record-breaking 100mm of rain on the greater Hobart region in a single day, Australia’s peak insurance body has announced that almost 50% of household claims have been closed.

Devastating floods struck parts of Hobart and Kingston on May 11, resulting in 8,800 household and insurance claims, amounting to $99.72m in insured losses.

Campbell Fuller, ICA general manager of communications, said that as of Monday, “almost 90% of motor vehicle claims have been closed, as well as about 55% of home building claims and almost 45% of contents claims.”

ICA noted that the Hobart catastrophe was the largest natural disaster to strike Australia to date this year, followed by the NSW and Victorian bushfires, with $82.5m in insured losses, tropical cyclone Marcus, with $62m, and the floods in North and Central Queensland, with $17m.

The insurance body also urged policyholders to contact its disaster hotline – 1800 734 621 – for general inquiries about the claims process.